The Political Climate: an ongoing commentary on the NH Primary and Climate Change

Although summer hasn’t officially begun, flip-flop season is well underway and it appears Senator Obama has joined the club.  Typically flip-floppers are criticized for their inability to stay firm on an issue, but in Obama’s case, his flop has many environmentalists flipping back his way. 

On Tuesday Obama, whose support for coal-to-liquid has been widely criticized by environmentalists, sent out a press release clarifying his position on liquid coal:

Senator Obama supports research into all technologies to help solve our climate change and energy dependence problems, including shifting our energy use to renewable fuels and investing in technology that could make coal a clean-burning source of energy…However, unless and until this technology is perfected, Senator Obama will not support the development of any coal-to-liquid fuels unless they emit at least 20% less life-cycle carbon than conventional fuels.

This “clarification” is an important step for the Obama campaign in trying to gain support from environmental organizations and voters.  However, the LA Times notes that his position change on this issue is even more significant because it symbolizes “there’s a race to the top among the Democratic candidates for the strongest position on how to solve the climate crisis.”